Why This B&N Store Is a Big Deal
Guess what, book lovers? The biggest Barnes & Noble store in Illinois is opening this summer, and honestly… I can’t wait!
Illinois’ Largest Barnes & Noble Is Coming This Summer
So, here’s a little confession: I’ve recently gotten into reading (I know, I know, late to the party). My goal this year is to read 75 books. Most of them I tackle on my Kindle, but I get it, some of you love the real deal: the feel of a book in your hands, the smell of fresh pages, and, of course, the thrill of wandering through endless shelves. Well, Barnes & Noble just announced four new stores in the Chicago area, and one of them? The largest in the city.
It’s taking over the old Old Navy building on State Street, a whopping 30,000 square feet that’s been empty since 2023. According to Block Club Chicago, this store is going to be a huge boost for the area, which is still trying to bounce back since COVID-19.
What to Expect Inside the 30,000 Sq Ft Space
Can you even imagine it? A 30,000-square-foot playground full of books…and toys. I never thought I’d say this, but I get legitimately excited about bookstores now. I used to just keep walking past them, but these days, I can spend hours just browsing, hunting for my next great read.
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There’s no exact opening date yet, but Barnes & Noble says it’ll be sometime this summer, perfect timing for tourists and locals alike. I have a feeling I’m going to need a full day to explore it all once it opens. I never would’ve imagined typing that a few years ago, but here we are. I can’t wait.
LOOK: 25 fascinating vintage photos of the first Winter Olympic Games
Delegates gather for the opening ceremony
In this photo, delegates from competing nations gather on Jan. 25, 1924, in front of the Saint-Michel Church and Hotel de Ville for the opening ceremony of the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France. The first-ever games, aptly held in the French Alps, were originally pegged as “International Winter Sports Week.”
Italian athletes at the inaugural parade
Italian athletes stand proudly while attending the inaugural parade on Feb. 10, 1924. Italy sent 23 men to compete in four sports; the athletes didn’t win any medals. Italy has hosted two Winter Olympics: the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. The country is slated to host again for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
A pledge to sportsmanship
French athletes are seen taking the pledge to participate in the games with integrity during the 1924 Winter Olympics opening.
American skaters practice
A group of American speed skaters preparing for competition at the 1924 Winter Games. Five all-male speed skating events were held.
10,000-meter speed skate commences
500-meter speed skate
Speed skater Charles Jewtraw represented the United States in the men’s 500-meter speed skating competition.
First American winter Olympian
Charles Jewtraw became the first American speed skater to score a gold medal, winning the 500-meter speed skating competition at the Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Jewtraw’s historic win set the American record and in 1963 the Olympian was inducted into the National Speedskating Hall of Fame in Chicago.
Ladies’ singles figure skating
Eleven-year-old Norwegian actress and figure skater Sonja Henie competes in the ladies singles figure skating competition at the Stade Olympique. Henie previously won the senior Norwegian championships at the age of 10.
Women’s figure skating
Austrian figure skater Herma Planck-Szabo glides to victory, winning the gold medal in ladies’ singles. Planck-Szabo was a powerhouse in the figure skating scene during the 1920s, having won five world titles.
Doubles figure skating
Belgian figure skaters Georgette Herbos and Georges Wagemans glide in the rink together…